Surrounded by those she loved, Kelle Ann Connolly passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022. She is survived by her mother Wilma Connolly; her husband Glenn Conway; sisters Cynthia Slevin (Edward) and Kathleen Connolly; nephew Nick Connolly and nieces Shannon Wozniak (Robert) and Rachael Ott. She was predeceased by her father, Edward Connolly; sister Suzy Connolly; and nephew Mike Slevin.
Throughout Kelle’s entire life she was always a beautiful soul with the kindest and most giving heart, and an inspiration to all who knew her. Since a young child, she was the strongest person known by family and friends. Kelle was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 neuromuscular disorder at age 5, but never allowed her challenges to deter her from having a rich, personal life or completing her professional goals.
After graduation from Manassas Park High School, Kelle decided to attend college out of state; she received her undergraduate degree from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, driving her accessible van from Virginia to North Carolina while sitting in a locked down wheelchair. Kelle’s resiliency and ability to overcome any obstacle made her want more from her career. She returned to school, first attending Gallaudet University then transferred to George Washington University, driving to Washington, DC two nights a week and earned a Masters’ degree. Working primarily with young adults having special challenges for 28 years, Kelle served the local community first with the Department of Rehabilitative Services and later as a Transition Specialist at Stonewall Jackson (Unity Reed) High School, where she was instrumental in helping her clients and students often find their first job experience. Kelle always showed genuine care and compassion for others, making her so easy to love with her fashionista style from head to toe and the amazing light she had making her so loved by all.
A viewing will be held at Olde Towne Funeral Home of Manassas, 9320 West Street – Manassas, VA 20110 on Tuesday July 5, 2022 from 5PM-7PM. A Mass of the Christian burial will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, 9300 Stonewall Road – Manassas, VA 20110 on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 10:00AM. The interment will follow at Stonewall Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Kelle Connolly to Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center, Haymarket, VA (https://www.rainbowriding.org/).
23 Responses
One of the best human beings on this earth. There just aren’t enough words to convey how truly wonderful she was in so many ways. I consider myself fortunate to have known her and receive her kind words. My deepest sympathy to her family. May your hearts heal somewhat as time goes by.
I am sorry to say I did not really get to know Kelle but heard a lot about her from Ronnie. It always seemed like there would be enough time to get to know Kelle and Glenn but time just keeps slipping away.
It doesn’t seem adequate to just offer condolences, Glenn, but you have our sympathy for your loss
Sending our love to Kelle’s family and Glenn and keeping her light in our hearts. We are so sorry for your loss.
Kelle radiated kindness, compassion, and a genuine love for our students. My heart is saddened by her passing and the world has lost a beautiful person. My deepest sympathy to her husband and family.
I had the pleasure of working with Kelle at SJHS now URHS for many years and before that when she was with DRS. She deeply cared for the kids / young adults she worked with them prepare to for life after high school whether it be a job, training program, higher education or the military. I am sure she will be missed at URHS. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Prayers for Cindy, Kay and their parents. My heart goes out to you all for your pain and my joy for her final blessing I Heave
Kelle had a charismatic smile that always brightened the room she entered. She was a wonderful person who did so very much for our students. She will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives she touched. 😢
Such a beautiful person who will be so deeply missed by all that knew her.
Kelle was one of the best persons I have known, a true kind, caring and loving soul. She was very compassionate to her students as well as to her colleagues. I had the opportunity to plan with Kelle for the VDOT trips for many years at Unity Reed High School and she used to be always on top of it way before the event. She would be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to the family
I’ve known Kelle (and her whole family) all of my life! She was such an inspiration to everyone! Such a kid soul and so full of joy! Always smiling! I have many fond memories of her! She will be missed by all!
To her family, please accept our deepest sympathies! May your memories refill your broken hearts in time!
Love, Bev & Rob
Words cannot describe the sorrow we felt when we heard of Kelle’s passing.
Our son was fortunate enough to have married Kelle. She brought out the best in him.
Our hearts go out to Glenn and the Connolly family.
Kelle was an inspiration to us all. She overcame her childhood illness to become the most strong-willed person we know; yet, she never lost her sense of humor. Kelle will be missed.
My deepest condolences to Glenn and Kelle’s family.
Kelle will be missed and she will always be in our hearts.
Kelle was a bright light in a world that sometimes seemed way to dim. She made me smile! RIP my beautiful, vivacious friend. Thank you for all the moments that I will remember forever! ❤🤗💔
It was heart breaking to hear of Kelle’s passing and my heart goes out to Glenn, her Mom and Sisters and everyone who knew and loved her as I did.
I am deeply honored to have had Kelle as my friend. Her strength and creativity has been an inspiration to me throughout my life.
I will always cherish the time I spent with her. She touched so many with her grace and beauty and she will be forever missed.
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Kelle when she was my son’s case manager at DRS helping him through his transition from high school to the real world in the late 90s. She was such a wonderful support, guiding us through the red tape of Social Security, Community Services Board, and more. I am still using the information she provided over 25 years ago. Kelle was a wonderful advocate for all people, those with disabilities and those without. She was kind, generous, and helpful, even when she was no longer with DRS.
She will be missed by all those who knew her. She had an impact on so many lives and her legacy will live on. The world needs more people like Kelle. Our deepest sympathies to her family.
I was so fortunate to have had Kelle in my life. What is topmost in my memory is the laughter. There was not an occasion when I was with Kelle and Glenn that there was not a lot of laughter, even during the challenging occasions. Well…..there was that one time when we went and saw “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” and Kel and I both cried at the end but I maintain that it is nye on impossible for anyone to not tear up at the end of that film.
I am eternally grateful that we had the opportunity to share those moments.
To all who loved Kelle, may her memory be a blessing.
So sorry to hear of your loss Glenn, you and your family are in my prayers
So sad to hear of Kelle’s passing. Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to the family. Kelle was a sweet kind soul when I first met her over 20 years ago at DRS and then at Stonewall HS working with her as a case manager.
May she rest in peace.
Our condolences and deepest sympathies to the family of Kelle. All of us at Rainbow Therapeutic Riding join the community in expressing our sorrow for the loss of such a wonderful soul.
My deepest sympathy to Kelle’s entire family. I worked with her and we often had many “off the side” chats on various topics. She was always there for my student’s when they needed her. She was such a lovely lady and would greet everyone with a beautiful smile. Kelle will be greatly missed. RIP Kelle.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. Kelle has always been so positive. I will deeply miss seeing her bright and shining smile. May your soul soar, Kelle! My deepest symathies to Glen, Aunt Willie, Cyndi, Kat and all of the family. May all your wonderful memories bring you some solace during this difficult time. I love you all.
I will miss you forever, my dear friend.
My sympathy goes out to Glen and the family. Kelle was one of the sweetest people I have ever known and is gone way too early. She will be missed by so very many